Pedro Feliciano dead at 45: New York Mets pitcher ‘passes away in his sleep’ after jet-skiing with family
FORMER New York Mets pitcher Pedro Feliciano has died at 45 years old.
The star's former team released a statement confirming the loss to "their family" on Monday afternoon.
"Pedro Feliciano will be remembered as a beloved member of the Mets organization for his impact as a great teammate as well as his reputation as one of the most competitive, durable and reliable relievers during his time in Queens," the team said in a statement.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Feliciano family. Rest in peace, Pedro."
ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez claimed on Monday that the former reliever passed away in his sleep on Sunday night.
"He was a really good released but a better person off the field. He will be missed," the reporter wrote.
Perez added that Feliciano was "jet skiing yesterday with his family," but did not provide a cause of death.
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Feliciano played in 484 games in the Major League Baseball while playing for the New York Mets between 2002 to 2013.
He made his debut appearance in 2002 after he was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds.
The icon posted a 3.09 ERA in 299.2 innings from 2006 to 2010 and struck out 280 batters.
He also led the majors in appearances by a reliever for three straight seasons from 2008 to 2010.
The star also played on the Puerto Rican national team for the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009.
Following the tragic news, fans flooded social media with condolences for the young sports star.
"Always admired you on the mound, you’ll always be remembered back home," one person wrote.
Another said: "Pedro Feliciano passing is just heartbreaking. The 2006 Mets don't feel that long ago, and you can't imagine that era of the Mets without Perpetual Pedro. RIP."
Some fans even shared recent photos of themselves with the pitcher at the Mets stadium just one month before the tragic passing.
"I literally just saw pedro feliciano at citi 9/29 IM SICK," one person wrote with crying emojis, sharing a photo of the star at the game.
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